James Delingpole

James Delingpole (born 1965) is an English columnist and novelist. A self-described libertarian conservative[1], he writes for The Times, The Daily Telegraph, and The Spectator. He has published several novels and four political books, most recently Watermelons: The Green Movement's True Colors [2011].

Contents

Background

Delingpole has an MA in English Language and Literature from Oxford University. He does not appear to have any science qualifications.

Anti-science views on climate change

In a 2009 article on the CRU email theft, Delingpole called anthropogenic climate change a "myth" and a "conspiracy".[2]

In his writing and media appearances, Delingpole regularly expresses a viewpoint that man-made climate change is not as extensive as it is described in the mainstream scientific opinion on climate change, and has linked mainstream scientific projections concerning climate change with "the atavistic impulse which leads generation after generation to believe it is the chosen one: the generation so special that it and it alone will be the one privileged to experience the end of the world; and the generation so egotistical that it imagines itself largely responsible for that imminent destruction".

When Anderegg et al published their paper on expert credibility in climate change in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, Delingpole countered with the headline 'Climate change sceptics have smaller members, uglier wives, dumber kids' says new study made up by warmists'[3]

Delingpole is keen on coining terms to advance his theories. He uses the term 'ManBearPig' to parody climate science. Whilst fellow Telegraph writer Christopher Booker credits Delingpole with coining the term 'climategate'.[4]

Delingpole is quick to claim imbalance is at work , sometimes going to great lengths to make the suggestion. Criticizing Bob Ward of the Grantham Research Institute Delingpole fulminates " He is as entitled to speak out on “Climate Change” as I – a mere Oxford Eng Lit grad blogger and hack – am. But note, pray, one key difference. If ever I am called to debate about climate change on the BBC or wherever I will always be introduced as a climate change “sceptic.” " Delingpole goes on to lament that Ward's superior qualifications and scientific background are "thus lending him an aura of dignity, neutrality and lofty expertise he simply doesn’t merit." [5] To his regular readers this may seem balanced but the fact is that no scientific institution of national standing now endorses Mr Delingpole's creed of scepticism of anthropogenic global warming.

Quotations

"What I do very much object to is concerted campaigns by pressure groups." [6]

"Shall we talk about Climategate?" In response to Sir Paul Nurse's explanaion of the meaning of scientific consensus [7]

"I haven't got the time I haven't got the scientific expertise" Explaining to Sir Paul Nurse why it is not his job to read scientifc papers[8]